Film and Television: The Collector Who Rampages Across the Heavens

Lei Jing's lips twitched. If the emperor's confidant in front of him were to report this matter, he would be terrified and suffer greatly. The good impression he had of the emperor would also be greatly diminished.

"Please rest assured, Lord Su, I will thoroughly investigate the conduct of the Imperial City Guard. People like Yu Zhongquan must be severely punished."

"It's not just about dealing with them severely, but about making an example of them to warn others. Lord Lei, you should know that the Imperial City Guard is a thorn in the side of many people. If the case is handled unfairly, then... what will happen? I don't need to say more."

Su Xiuyan's tone was calm, but the ruthlessness and killing intent she revealed almost made Yu Zhongquan, who was kneeling on the ground, collapse.

"Lord Su, spare my life! Lord Su... please spare my life for the sake of my years of service!" Yu Zhongquan pleaded on the ground, wailing like a defeated dog: "Lord Su, I was blind and offended Lady Zhao. Please forgive me this time, and I will do my best to serve His Majesty from now on."

Su Xiuyan remained calm, not wanting to say a word to him.

"Come here, take this lawless Yu Zhongquan away and punish him with family discipline."

Lei Jing waved his hand, and two men came out from behind him and escorted Yu Zhongquan, who was wailing and begging for mercy, away. His fate was obvious.

Su Xiuyan glanced at Su Li, nodded slightly, and then said to Lei Jing, "Lord Lei, do you have any good tea here?"

"Yes, of course, Lord Su, this way please."

Lei Jing's face lit up with joy, clearly indicating that his actions had pleased Su Xiuyan, who was now trying to reciprocate and become closer to him.

Good news, good news! Even if we lose Yu Zhongquan, that lackey and confidant, there will be countless others we can cultivate. But the opportunity to befriend someone of high rank or even the emperor's confidant is rare.

After everyone in the interrogation room left, Su Li stepped forward and put Zhao Pan'er down. The latter's eyes were red and her red lips were moving as if she wanted to say something.

"Okay, it's alright now."

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhao Pan'er rushed over and hugged him tightly. She didn't cry, but crystal tears streamed down her cheeks, telling of her master's fear and unease.

"It's alright, I'm here. I promise you this will never happen again."

Su Li looked at her pretty face, reached out to wipe away her tears, and pulled her outside, saying, "Let's go back, this is not a place to stay for long."

"That person just now..."

"My older brother, Su Xiuyan, don't worry about him."

The two had just come out of the interrogation room when they saw Gu Qianfan rushing towards them. When they met, they remained silent.

Gu Qianfan rushed back after receiving the news. He spoke first, saying, "Madam Zhao, I didn't mean it."

He was extremely angry with Yu Zhongquan for doing this behind his back, and he almost got the blame pinned on him.

Just as Zhao Pan'er was about to speak, Su Li tapped her lips with a finger, answering for her: "Lord Gu, others may fear your Imperial City Guard and Prime Minister Xiao, but my Su family is not. You'd better not appear before us, otherwise... you'll be an enemy, not a friend."

If this guy is smart, he should listen to what he says; otherwise, his death is imminent.

His nature was always to eliminate all threats, and the entire Xiao family had to be exiled...

Gu Qianfan's eyes turned cold. No one had ever dared to say such a thing to him before; those who dared to provoke him had all died.

"My affairs are none of Young Master Su's concern. The Imperial City Guard's investigations are directly under the Emperor's jurisdiction. Any interference from irrelevant individuals is tantamount to disobeying the imperial decree, which I can handle at my discretion."

"As expected, Lord Gu is as arrogant as ever. I hope you can stay arrogant forever."

Su Li chuckled and led Zhao Pan'er out of the Imperial City Guard. The guards outside quickly brought over the horses.

"There's no time to spare, but we don't have a carriage. You'll have to make do with this."

"Am I that delicate? Don't forget I can ride horses too..."

Zhao Pan'er grabbed his hand and gently mounted the horse. She thought Su Li would ride another horse, but he also sat on it and put his arm around her slender waist to grab the reins.

"Don't you feel cramped riding one horse?"

Feeling the heat of the man behind her, Zhao Pan'er felt uncomfortable and said rather shyly.

"It's not crowded!" Su Li said with a smile.

"I feel cramped, let me go, I'll change..." Zhao Pan'er twisted her wife and bit her lip.

"No, I have something to tell you."

Su Li spurred the horse on, and the steed trotted gracefully forward, with several guards trailing far behind.

"Pan'er?" he called the woman's name softly.

"Hmm, what's wrong?"

Zhao Pan'er felt the air she was breathing was hot and dry, her heart was pounding, and she felt very uncomfortable.

How do you feel about me?

"He's alright, handsome, righteous, kind, and humorous. He's a good person."

Zhao Pan'er had always had a good impression of this man; she felt she could never repay his life-saving grace, not just once, but several times.

Since ancient times, true feelings cannot be retained, but tricks can win people's hearts. How true!

"I'm so glad you think that way." Su Li wrapped his arms around her slender waist from behind, pressed his whole body against hers, rested his chin on her fragrant shoulder, and spoke as his voice stirred the woman's hair.

"I want to marry you, will you?"

Zhao Pan'er trembled, her beautiful eyes revealing a mixture of surprise, complex emotions, and secret delight. She parted her pearly teeth slightly and asked, "Why? Young Master Su, you come from a noble family, possess hidden talent, and are full of youthful vigor. I'm sure you have many suitors coming to your door. Why did you choose me?"

"Of course I like you. It's normal to want to marry you, isn't it? Actually, I had a slight idea back when I saved you in Qiantang. After we got to Tokyo, these days of getting to know each other have made me completely certain."

Su Li's voice was as gentle as the night breeze, bringing back memories of their time in Qiantang. He continued, "And you, are you willing?"

"I...I don't know. Are you aware that I, Zhao Pan'er, am the descendant of a disgraced official who was released from my social status? Although I have never used my looks to serve men, if you were to marry me, it would definitely ruin your reputation. Even your family might not agree."

Zhao Pan'er knew her own situation well and said in a disappointed tone.

"That's my business. You just need to nod in agreement, and I'll take care of the rest."

Su Li's tone was firm, clearly indicating that he had thought about it many times before, and that no matter what obstacles lay ahead, they could not stop him.

Zhao Pan'er was deeply moved, but she hesitated and said, "I need to go back and think about it. I'm sorry... Actually, I like you, but my mind is a mess right now."

To be more precise, his feelings for her were more gratitude than affection. Although they didn't spend much time together, they went through a lot together. In her mind, Su Li's impression of her was positive, and that's what she meant by goodwill.

"Alright, I'll wait for your reply, Pan'er... don't disappoint me."

If the woman in front of him refused, he didn't dare to imagine what he would do... If he couldn't have her heart, then he'd have her body!

Su Li dismounted and, without realizing it, arrived at her residence. She then lifted Zhao Pan'er off the horse with both hands.

"It's getting late, let's go back and rest."

"Okay, see you tomorrow!"

Zhao Pan'er smoothed her hair and watched the other person ride away before walking into the courtyard. As she pushed open the door, she ran into Sun San Niang and Song Yin Zhang.

"Pan'er, are you alright now? Young Master Su wouldn't let us go over, so we could only wait at home."

Sun San Niang held Zhao Pan'er and looked her over from head to toe. She breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that she was unharmed.

Song Yinzhang asked, "Sister Pan'er, did Young Master Su save you?"

Zhao Pan'er nodded and recounted the whole story on her way back to the house. When she mentioned Gu Qianfan, both women gritted their teeth in anger.

"That guy is a troublemaker; never associate with him again."

"Yes, go out of your way when you see him."

Zhao Pan'er smiled and said, "It's not that serious. By the way, is there anything to eat? I'm so hungry."

"Yes, I already saved you your favorite red bean paste Zhangji bite-sized pastry, as well as some vegetables. I'll heat them up for you now."

While Sun San Niang was busy with her tasks, Song Yin Zhang also made tea and poured water for her.

The three women sat down again in a triangular formation. Zhao Pan'er kept putting food into her mouth, her cheeks bulging. Noticing their stares, she said helplessly, "Stop looking. It makes me so uncomfortable."

Sun San Niang and Song Yin Zhang smiled, and the latter asked, "Young Master Su left after bringing you back, and you didn't even invite him in for a cup of tea."

Zhao Pan'er shook her head. She slowed down her eating and hesitated before saying, "There's something I want you to know."

"What is it? Tell me."

"He wants to marry me..."

The room fell silent after these words were spoken. A bitter smile appeared on Song Yinzhang's lips, and Sun Sanniang felt a pang of sadness in her heart. Zhao Pan'er looked at the two women with a strange expression.

"Why aren't you saying anything? Do you feel it's inappropriate?"

The two women, whose names had been mentioned many times before, shook their heads in unison. Song Yinzhang took a deep breath and said with a smile, "That's great! We've known Young Master Su for so long, we all know what kind of person he is. Sister Pan'er, it would be wonderful if you could marry him!"

Anyway, Su Li promised her a position as a concubine, and she couldn't care less who her wife was. If it was Zhao Pan'er, that would be even better.

Sun San Niang had similar thoughts, but her situation was more complicated. After all, she was a woman who had a child and a previous marriage contract, making it extremely difficult for her to enter the family.

However, as long as there is a glimmer of hope, she will not give up.

"I agree. Pan'er, you're not young anymore. To be able to marry Su Li in such a grand and glorious way is something many people would dream of."

Hearing her two closest sisters say this, Zhao Pan'er's already biased heart towards Su Li was relieved.

Song Yinzhang asked curiously, "Sister Pan'er, when Young Master Su married you, was you his first wife or a concubine?"

Zhao Pan'er bit her lower lip and said, "I think it's better to be a secondary wife. Although he hasn't said it, I think so. I won't make things difficult for him. Marrying him is already a difficult thing for someone of my status. Being a secondary wife is just fine."

Sun San Niang also said, "Pan'er, it's good that you think this way. When he comes, I'll ask him for you again... who his wife is. If she's a difficult noblewoman, then..."

She didn't know what to say next; was she really going to refuse to marry him?

"Don't worry, even if I have a difficult wife, I'll try my best to be accommodating."

Zhao Pan'er was decisive; since she wanted to marry him, there was no need for hesitation.

Song Yinzhang nodded in agreement: "I think that Young Master Su must have doted on Sister Pan'er very much to marry her. Otherwise, with his status, what kind of woman couldn't he have?"

"Yinzhang is right, congratulations, Pan'er," said Sun Sanniang, raising her teacup in a toast.

"What's there to congratulate? It's not even close to happening yet!" Zhao Pan'er still touched hands with her and chuckled.

Song Yinzhang seemed to remember something and suddenly said, "Sister Pan'er, I heard some news from the streets today, but I don't know if it's true or not. It's about Ouyang Xu."

"What's wrong? What's the matter?" Zhao Pan'er frowned.

Song Yinzhang said cautiously, "He is dead. I heard he died from an accident, but the exact cause is unclear. Some people say he was caught up in the power struggle in the court and was implicated."

Zhao Pan'er was startled, and slowly tilted the teacup in her hand, pouring the tea onto the ground.

"Ouyang Xu, may your soul, when you descend to the deepest hell, atone for your sins when interrogated by the judge Yama."

She had long since given up on that man and had no feelings for him whatsoever; otherwise, she wouldn't have cursed Ouyang Xu's official career after learning that he had been granted an official position by the emperor.

Seeing that she was relieved, both Sun San Niang and Song Yin Zhang breathed a sigh of relief.

……

The night was clear and bright, the stars twinkled and shone, and the bright moon disappeared into the clouds...

After returning home, Su Li washed up and ate a meal. Then, she was relaxing in her study when the half-closed door was pushed open. The housekeeper, Ge Zhaodi, came in carrying a wooden tray with a lightly fragrant cup of tea.

"Young master, the tea and pastries are ready."

"Okay, put it here!"

She placed the tea and pastries on the table he pointed to, bowed, and turned to leave, but was stopped by his call.

"What's the rush? Come over and talk to me." Su Li turned her gaze from what she had been pretending to be reading to the young woman.

After being pampered in the mansion for so many days, she became beautiful and delicate. Already possessing a good foundation, she had bright eyes and white teeth, and was exceptionally beautiful. Apart from her temperament, she was no less than Gao Hui in any other aspect.

"sit!"

Ge Zhaodi's pretty face instantly turned red. The other person was pointing to her thigh. Such an intimate and ambiguous position and posture were rarely seen in ancient times, except in brothels and entertainment venues.

"I...I think I'll just stand here." She quickly shook her head like a rattle-drum.

"Just sit down when I tell you to, what are you afraid of?"

Su Li grabbed her wrist, pulled her over, and forcefully pressed her against his thigh.

Ge Zhaodi struggled but dared not move. Her two small hands clenched into fists, unsure of what to do. Her voice was as low as a mosquito's buzz: "Young master, what do you have to say? Hurry up... I have something to do over there."

She already had a clue what this young master wanted to do. After all, she had seen everything, both what she should and shouldn't have seen, during her time living in this mansion.

"No rush, we can do it another day if something comes up."

With a beauty in his arms, Su Li's hands began to wander.

"I heard your birth mother came looking for you while you were out shopping?"

Ge Zhaodi was born into a family that favored sons over daughters, and her living environment was quite bad. She ran away from home because she could not bear it anymore. The original drama was even sold for five strings of cash.

"Hmm, yes, this matter has been resolved by Madam Zhang, and she will not come looking for me again from now on."

When Ge Zhaodi spoke, her eyes were rather hazy, as if shrouded in a layer of mist.

"You did a good job. You're family, and no one but me can bully you. You can come to me anytime if you encounter any problems, do you understand?" Su Li said.

Ge Zhaodi was no longer able to speak.

When she woke up the next day, she found herself lying on the bed in the study, feeling weak and sore all over. It was a maid who came in to help her wash up.

"You envy me?"

The maid nodded and shook her head upon hearing this, and only after being urged by Ge Zhaodi did she speak the truth: "Young master is exceptionally handsome and treats people very well. If we could spend a good night together, even just one night, everyone would be willing."

The term "everyone" here refers to the other maids in the Zuli residence. Apart from a few essential positions, there were many beautiful maids.

Ge Zhaodi grabbed the maid's chin and said playfully, "You know how to talk. Follow me... I'll give you that chance sooner or later."

"Thank you, Steward Xie. I will definitely follow your instructions from now on," the maid said happily.

Ge Zhaodi nodded slightly. If she were just a housekeeper, she might not have any other thoughts, but since she had been taken advantage of, she had to consider something else.

A concubine is out of the question, but what about a secondary wife?

She knew that her young master's primary hobby was women, so she might as well try to please him more.

……

Su Li went to Zhao's Tea House early in the morning. After yesterday's turmoil, it was open as usual today, but the number of customers was not large, which was obviously affected.

"You...have arrived?" Sun Sanniang was busy outside. When she saw Su Li, she quickly came over, looked him over, and whispered softly.

"Come find me tonight, same place as always."

Unripe apples are delicious, but ripe peaches are even better... You can eat them in rotation so you don't get tired of them.